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Visually Sexing Loggerhead Shrike Lanius Ludovicianus Using Plumage Coloration and Pattern

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How do colonial Eurasian Griffon Vultures prevent extra-pair mating?

Joan Bertran¹, Francesc Xavier Macià¹, Antoni Margalida²

¹Bearded Vulture Study and Protection Group , El Pont de Suert , Spain.

|March 12, 2016

Summary

In colonial vultures, increased within-pair copulations (WPCs) during the fertile period serve as a key paternity assurance behavior. This strategy helps mitigate risks associated with extra-pair copulations (EPCs) in a competitive breeding environment.

Keywords:

Colonial species Copulations Extra-pair mating Sperm competition Vulture

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Area of Science:

Behavioral Ecology
Avian Reproduction
Conservation Biology

Background:

Colonial breeding species face risks of extra-pair copulations (EPCs).
Preventive measures against EPCs should align with perceived risks, especially during the fertile period.
Limited research exists on paternity assurance behaviors in colonial vultures.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate paternity assurance behaviors in Eurasian Griffon Vultures (Gyps fulvus).
To assess the frequency and duration of within-pair copulations (WPCs) in relation to the fertile period.
To evaluate mate vigilance, nest attendance, and aggressivity in response to territorial intrusions.

Main Methods:

Observing paternity assurance behaviors at Eurasian Griffon Vulture nesting sites.
Quantifying the frequency and duration of WPCs.
Comparing behaviors during presumed fertile versus non-fertile periods.
Monitoring territorial intrusions and aggressive responses.

Main Results:

WPC frequency and duration significantly increased during the presumed fertile period.
Griffon pairs spent more time together at nests during the fertile period.
Low territorial intrusions, aggressive responses to intruders, and high nest attendance were observed during the fertile period.

Conclusions:

Increased WPCs during the fertile period are a primary paternity assurance mechanism in colonial vultures.
Despite low EPC risk, heightened copulation rates counteract paternity uncertainty in colonial breeding.
Paternity assurance strategies in vultures are adapted to the pressures of colonial nesting.